People in public places require a release?

If one visits a mall and shoots areas that include people, do you need
to get releases from any of them? How about when doing "street
shooting?" Or in public buildings/places? I'm talking about the random
people who happen to be in the photo *and* can be easily recognized,
not people who are positioned there by the photographer.

Responses

YOu don't need a release to take a photo in a public place but your intended usage determines if you need a release or not. If you want to use it in an editorial or fine art way you don't need a release. If you are using it in an advertisement or on a commercial product you need a release. These are the general rules.

Even more confusion. From the legal perspective releases are not required for images of property (except those protected by copyright). Although various property owners such as the Pebble Beach Country Club, New York Stock Exchange, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have filed or threatened lawsuit, none of them prevailed in court (some cases were settled). While a mall owner is generally within its rights to prohibit photography while on its property, you are not required to get a release to either photograph or publish images of the property.